Since coaching guru Sean Payton assumed leadership of the Denver Broncos this season, reality has bit down on them more severely than anyone could have reasonably predicted.
Although accurate, Payton’s criticism of Nathaniel Hackett, the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets, for doing one of the worst coaching jobs in NFL history with the Broncos last season backfired spectacularly.
Payton Gave Credit Where Its Due
After the game, when pressed further about how he courted conflict with the Jets and Hackett, Payton responded fairly curtly. Although Payton’s direct response should have been expected, the tendency for him to not support his strong claims is concerning. While a lot of talk happened before the game, Payton was quick to give credit where its due.
Payton said
“They played better than us. I credit [Jets HC] Robert [Saleh] and that staff,” “They won the game, and that’s how I look at it.”
Patrick Surtain II Had This to Say About the Drama
It is debatable to what much Payton’s slurs disrupted the Broncos’ camp internally. Star cornerback Patrick Surtain II, who returned the ball to Russell Wilson and the offense for one final drive with the Broncos down three points after his amazing late interception, immediately downplayed the problem.
Surtain said post-game
“Obviously, there was a little talk before the season but as players, we look past that,” . “We’re focused on winning. We know ballgames because in this league, wins matter. Not the offseason. Not all [of] the noise externally. The only thing that matters within this organization is winning. That’s what we’re focused on.”
We will find out what the future holds for Sean Payton in coming months.